SLEX toll fee hike to be implemented after PNoy inauguration

President-elect Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s June 30 inauguration has not only prompted the declaration of a holiday, but also caused the postponement of an impending 300-percent toll hike for the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

South Luzon Tollway Corp. (SLTC) spokesperson Alma Tuazon was quoted in a radio dzBB interview as saying that they deferred the hike’s implementation to give way to Aquino’s oath-taking at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila next week.

Instead of the original June 30 implementation, the SLEX toll adjustment will take effect a week later, or on July 7.

SLEX’s current toll rates are roughly 75 centavos to 80 centavos per kilometer, compared to about P3.10 by other toll companies in the country.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) earlier granted the SLTC’s request to raise the fee due to the P11-million rehabilitation of the 1.2-km Alabang Viaduct and the 27.3-km road from Alabang to Calamba. The toll adjustment on this portion of the SLEX is P2.70 per kilometer or roughly 320-percent more than the prevailing 82-centavo rate. [See: SLEX toll fees up by 320% starting June 30]

Under the new rates, motorists driving Class 1 vehicles or cars, vans, and other small vehicles through Alabang in Muntinlupa City to Calamba, Laguna will have to pay P77 from the current P21.

Class 2 vehicles or light trucks and buses would be charged P155 from P43, and Class 3 vehicles or heavy and multi-wheeler trucks P232 from P65.

Last week, Malacañang declared June 30 a non-working holiday to give way to the inauguration rites for President-elect Aquino. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV